Online Reporter
ZIMPAPERS, in partnership with KIMMRI Publicity and Resources Mobilisation, is today (Friday) hosting the King Mzilikazi Indaba at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo, as a way of paving the way for the annual King Mzilikazi commemorations
The event is expected to start at 10am ending at 1pm.
Invited participants include historians and researchers, cultural and traditional custodians, policymakers, civil society organisations, members of academia, Bulawayo residents and representatives from various Government ministries.
With the event running under the theme “Reclaiming African Heritage through the Life and Legacy of King Mzilikazi,” the Indaba is crafted to revive King Mzilikazi’s legacy and remind the nation why his story deserves renewed attention.
Notable speakers at the event are Prince Peter Zwide Khumalo who is a member of the Royal Family, Chief Mathema of Gwanda and Chief Fuyana of Matopo, chairman of the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association Sipho Gama, Mazilankatha, amongst others.
Topics to be discussed during the day are the relevance of King Mzilikazi’s legacy in contemporary leadership and nation-building, the promotion and preservation of African oral histories and traditions, and fostering academic and cultural dialogue around indigenous leadership and governance, among other key issues.
The event is open to all who are interested in learning more about King Mzilikazi’s life and enduring impact.
For those who won’t be able to attend physically, Zimpapers will be bringing the Indaba Live across all its social media platforms.
Zimpapers reporters Langalakhe Mabena and Bruce Ndlovu will also be giving us live updates from the event.
“Culture defines who we are” – Chief Mathema
Chief Mathema has said that a nation without its culture is lost, therefore, there is a need for the entire nation to retrace their roots so that they get to know their past in order to appreciate where they are going.
He echoed these sentiments at the on going King Mzilikazi Indaba happening at the Bulawayo Large City Hall.
“As chiefs we are happy that we have been given a platform to be part of the organisers of this years annual King Mzilikazi commemorations . This shows that as cultural custodians and leaders we are treated with respect when it comes to issues that concern our people and the nation.
“As we revive the legacy of King Mzilikazi, it is important for us to go back to history and appreciate the kind of a King he was. He cherished the Ndebele culture as he led with dignity and respect. As people, we have to retrace our culture and values because they ground us. Knowing our past will make us know about our future,” said Chief Mathema.
Giving reference to Section 6 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Chief Mathema further said there is a need for the nation to embrace and recognise all the 16 official languages. By doing so, he said the move will foster a sense of togetherness and belonging to all the citizens of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s Ndebele community holds onto Nguni language and culture: Historian
Historian Methembe Hadebe says all the Nguni people who ran away from Zululand either evading Shaka or Mfecane, have all lost their mother language and tone, except for the Ndebeles of Mzilikazi, who are found in Zimbabwe.
“We have Nguni people in Zambia, Malawi and even Tanzania. All of them have lost the Nguni tone and language. But the Ndebeles of Mzilikazi must take pride in themselves because they have managed to retain the proper Nguni language. Even after colonisation, the tone is still clear,” said Hadebe.
He further said that there is a need to revive Ndebele rituals and encourage people to practice them so that we stay connected to the foundation of this nation.
“Our culture and rituals have been lost because people have changed their ways of life. But, we are doing great in terms of trying to revive this; the King Mzilikazi commemoration is one gathering that helps us to retrace our culture and rituals as it allows us to resume our customs through different activities that take place Emgubhweni weNkosi,” he said.
Hadebe pleaded with responsible authorities to correct wrong spellings which were done by the white, especially the school names and the streets in Bulawayo, as they destort the Ndebele language and spellings.
King Mzilikazi commemoration marks 25 years of reviving royal legacy
Prince Peter Zwide Khumalo says the idea of the King Mzililazi Commemoration was born in the year 2000, after realising the need to revive the resilient spirit of King Mzilikazi, whose story was slowly fading away.
“This movement started in 2000 after realising that the story and the history of King Mzilikazi was slowly fading. We saw the need to wake up, stand our ground and do something to revive his great legacy. As we turn 25 years – celebrating this day, we must all embrace the legacy of King Mzilikazi by coming together to commemorate this day as we are a united nation because of his vision,” said Khumalo.
He encouraged people to show respect to traditional chiefs as they were chosen to guide the nation accordingly, especially on cultural and heritage issues.
“We are all under the leadership of the chiefs and we have to respect them because they are our traditional leaders who were divinely chosen to lead us. We, as the Khumalos we must go through the chiefs if we are to practice anything that has to do with the nation because even Mzilikazi himself depended on his trusted chiefs to make important decisions,” said Khumalo.
King Mzilikazi Commemoration: A Chance for Ndebele Youth to Learn About Their Heritage
Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association Chairman Sipho Gama has pleaded with the Ndebele people to take pride in themselves and their history, with the first step being playing a part in the maintenance of King Mzilikazi’s grave located at Mhlahlandlela within the Matopo Hills National Park.
He further said, parents must groom children with Ndebele teachings and ways of life, so that our history can be passed from one generation to the other.
With the King Mzilikazi commemoration slated for 5 and 6 September at his grave in Mhlahlandlela, Gama said children must be encouraged to be part of the ceremony, from the march starting at Matshobana suburb to the Large City Hall, all the way to festivities and fun fair at Mhlanhlandlela. This will make them understand who they are and where they are going, as they will learn about the doctrines and customs of the Ndebele people.
King Mzilikazi’s legacy a testament to effective nation building – Dr Hadebe
ON giving an overview of the King Mzilikazi Indaba, academic, Dr Samukele Hadebe said Mzilikazi’s story is important to be discussed and embraced among people because he was a man who was tried and tested in nation building and succeeded.
“Mzilikazi was not a conqueror or a dictator. If he was like that, then after his death, the people he absorbed along the way could have returned to their respective places. The fact that they stayed is a sign that there was peace in his kingdom.
“The state house in Bulawayo was built on the exact location of Mzilikazi’s home (Isigodlo seNkosi). That on its own is a portrayal of power that King Mzilikazi possessed and his leadership is still relevant today, a sign that his story is not forgotten,” said Dr Hadebe.
He concluded by encouraging people to come clad in traditional Ndebele gear eMgubhweni weNkosi so as to revive the spirit of King Mzilikazi and foster a sense of pride and identity with other Ndebele people.
The Indaba comes to an end.
